Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Linear layouts naturally work well with linear stories; if your game features such a
story, you might consider such a layout. See Chapter 7, “Storytelling and Narrative,”
for more on linear stories.
FIGURE 12.1
A level with a linear
layout
Traditional for side-scrolling action games and rail-shooters, the linear layout is
otherwise uncommon nowadays. Today's designers tend to favor the parallel
layout.
FIGURE 12.2
A level with a parallel
layout
Parallel Layouts
A parallel layout—a modern variant
of the linear layout—resembles a
railroad switchyard with lots of
parallel tracks and the means for
the player to switch from one track
to another at intervals. The player
passes through the level from one
end to another but may take a variety
of paths to get there. See
Figure 12.2
for a much-simplified illustration.
Even though the parallel layout does
not require players to pass through
every available path, most players
search them all anyway if the game
lets them do so. One path may offer a
greater risk and therefore a greater
reward, while another path may give
the player greater insights into the
storyline. You can easily construct a
